The rate is the highest level seen in the last 40 years with the consumer prices index rising by 9.0% in the 12 months to April 2022. The recent 2% rise was also the sharpest monthly increase since 1980.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) stated that the 54% increase in the energy price cap in April, which took the average annual gas and electricity bill close to £2,000, was the main reason for the jump in the consumer prices index.

Higher fuel and food prices, driven by the Ukraine war, also pushed up the cost of living up, with inflation expected to continue to rise this year. The ONS also noted that the end of the temporary cut in VAT for hospitality venues, from 12.5% back to the original 20%, has also contributed to the rise.